(Originally appeared in Highlands Ranch Herald)

As a Douglas County resident, I am appalled by Commissioner George Teal’s false allegations against a local political action committee. Teal claimed that the No Little Kings in Douglas County PAC was funded by a communist organization.

When 9News asked for evidence that the PAC was funded by Chinese communists, as he alleged, Teal replied, “Is there evidence it isn’t?” The answer is yes. Yes, there is evidence.

Filings with the Colorado Secretary of State’s Office show the PAC was funded entirely by Eiko Browning, a Highlands Ranch homeowner. The information proving who funded it is easily available to anyone who cares to look. Browning, an oncologist at Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers, itemized both her contributions and expenditures.

Commissioner Teal made this allegation in public and then doubled down on it. Therefore, it’s only right that he set the record straight in public. His allegations are an implicit smear against a cancer doctor who took the initiative to participate in local politics.

For the future, I urge the commissioners to be more measured and accurate in their words. As a resident here for 17 years, I want elected officials to look out for the interests of the entire county and not lob slander or lies toward any of my neighbors.